Latin American Independence Quiz Study Guide

Peninsulares

People born in Spain who lived in Latin America. Had the highest social status and most power.

Creoles (Criollos)

People of Spanish descent born in Latin America. Wealthy but had less political power than Peninsulares.

Mestizos

People of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.

Mulattoes

People of mixed European and African ancestry.

Zambos

People of mixed Indigenous and African ancestry.

Enslaved Africans

Africans brought to Latin America and forced into slavery. Had the lowest social status.

Main cause of Latin American independence

People wanted freedom from Spanish and Portuguese colonial control.

Creole resentment

Creoles were wealthy but wanted more political power and freedom from Spain.

Enlightenment

Ideas about liberty, equality, and people's rights inspired independence movements.

American Revolution

The success of the American colonies inspired Latin Americans to fight for independence.

French Revolution

Spread ideas of liberty and equality that inspired independence movements.

Napoleon's invasion of Spain (1808)

Napoleon invaded Spain and removed King Ferdinand VII, weakening Spanish control over its colonies.

Why did Napoleon's invasion matter?

Spain was weakened, creating an opportunity for Latin American colonies to fight for independence.

Simon Bolivar

Led independence movements in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Known as El Liberator.

Simon Bolivar's goal

To free Spanish-controlled South America and unite the newly independent countries.

El Liberator

Nickname given to Simon Bolivar because he helped liberate much of northern South America.

Gran Colombia

A large republic created by Simon Bolivar that included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

What happened to Gran Colombia?

It eventually broke apart because of political disagreements and regional differences.

Bernardo O'Higgins

Led Chile's independence movement alongside Jose de San Martin and became Chile's first leader.

Bernardo O'Higgins' achievement

Helped Chile gain independence from Spain in 1818.

Jose de San Martin

Argentine military leader who helped Argentina, Chile, and Peru gain independence from Spain.

Crossing of the Andes Mountains

San Martin and his army crossed the Andes in 1817 to surprise Spanish forces and help liberate Chile.

Why was crossing the Andes important?

It helped San Martin defeat Spanish forces in Chile and continue the independence movement.

San Martin's outcome

Helped liberate Chile and Peru. Eventually stepped aside and allowed Bolivar to continue the fight.

Toussaint Louverture

Led the Haitian Revolution against French colonial rule and slavery.

Haitian Revolution (1791-1804)

A successful revolt by enslaved people that resulted in Haiti becoming independent.

Toussaint Louverture's goal

To end slavery and gain freedom from French colonial rule.

Toussaint Louverture's outcome

He was captured by the French and died in prison in 1803, before Haiti became independent.

Haiti's independence

Haiti became independent from France in 1804 under Jean-Jacques Dessalines.

Miguel Hidalgo

Mexican priest who started Mexico's independence movement in 1810.

Grito de Dolores

Hidalgo's speech calling on Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule on September 16, 1810.

Why is the Grito de Dolores important?

It marked the beginning of Mexico's independence movement.

Miguel Hidalgo's outcome

His rebellion failed, and he was captured and executed in 1811.

Jose Morelos

Mexican priest and revolutionary who continued the independence movement after Hidalgo's death.

Jose Morelos' goal

To gain Mexican independence and create a more equal society.

Jose Morelos' outcome

He continued the revolution but was captured and executed in 1815.

Agustin Iturbide

Mexican military leader who helped Mexico gain independence from Spain in 1821.

Agustin Iturbide's role

Originally fought for Spain but later switched sides and supported Mexican independence.

Plan of Iguala

A plan created by Iturbide in 1821 that called for Mexican independence, equality among groups, and Catholicism.

Agustin Iturbide's outcome

Mexico gained independence in 1821, and Iturbide became emperor but was later overthrown.

Pedro I

Portuguese prince who declared Brazil's independence from Portugal in 1822.

Pedro I's achievement

Declared Brazil independent and became its first emperor.

Brazil's independence

Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822, mostly without a major revolution.

Benito Juarez

Mexican liberal leader and president who fought for equality, democracy, and reducing the power of the Catholic Church and military.

Benito Juarez's reforms

Passed La Reforma, which reduced the power of the Church and military and promoted equality under the law.

Benito Juarez and France

Resisted French intervention in Mexico and helped restore the Mexican Republic.

La Reforma

A series of liberal reforms in Mexico that reduced the power of the Catholic Church and military.

Main difference between Brazil and Spanish America

Brazil became an independent empire under Pedro I, while most Spanish colonies became republics.

Who led Haiti's independence revolution?

Toussaint Louverture helped lead the revolution, and Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared independence in 1804.

Who led Chile's independence?

Bernardo O'Higgins and Jose de San Martin.

Who led Argentina's independence?

Jose de San Martin helped lead the movement.

Who led Mexico's independence?

Miguel Hidalgo started it, Jose Morelos continued it, and Agustin Iturbide helped achieve independence.

Who led Brazil's independence?

Pedro I.

Who was El Liberator?

Simon Bolivar.

What year did Mexico begin its independence movement?

1810.

What year did Mexico gain independence?

1821.

What year did Chile gain independence?

1818.

What year did Brazil gain independence?

1822.

What year did Haiti gain independence?

1804.

What year did Napoleon invade Spain?

1808.